Elmont students awarded for Civil Air Patrol service

Elmont residents Kleev Simon and Erin Simon, members of Civil Air Patrol NY Squadron 288 of the Civil Air Patrol, the official civilian auxiliary of the United States Air Force, were awarded the Billy Mitchell Award at a ceremony on August 16.

Kleev Simon, who also served as a flight sergeant and flight commander during his time in the Civil Air Patrol, assumed the rank of cadet commander beginning in February, but stepped down earlier this month. Kleev graduated from Elmont Memorial High School, where he also played lacrosse, in June, and is set to attend SUNY Alfred this fall to study architecture. Erin Simon is entering her freshman year at Elmont Memorial High School this fall. Erin currently serves as a flight commander and has recently served as flight sergeant in the Civil Air Patrol as part of NY Squadron 288, which Kleev was also part of.

Kleev and Erin, like other members of the Civil Air Patrol who have also been granted the prestigious Billy Mitchell Award since it was first awarded in 1964, advanced through a multi-level cadet program. According to the Civil Air Patrol, there are 16 segments to this program, which are deemed “achievements.” Once each level of the program has been reached, cadets qualify for a number of opportunities, such as decorations, awards and opportunities for flight and academic scholarships.

Cadets are also required to pass a comprehensive, 100-question exam on questions regarding both aerospace and leadership. Lastly, Kleev and Erin also needed to meet specific physical fitness requirements in order to be eligible for the award.

One final step is required to win the Billy Mitchell Award: cadets must demonstrate leadership skills. “Fulfilling the promotion eligibility requirements above is only half the battle. You also need to show that you have some leadership skills,” according to the Civil Air Patrol’s website.

“The Billy Mitchell Award is granted to dedicated cadets who 'speak truth to power.' Kleev and Erin Simon exemplify this motto through their unwavering dedication to the Civil Air Patrol and the betterment of Long Island,” said New York State Senator Todd Kaminsky, who attended the ceremony on August 16.

Indeed, Billy Mitchell is remembered for taking a brave stand that risked his position in the military during World War One. After helping to sink a German battleship from the air during a July 1921 mission, Mitchell challenged high-ranking members of the military by advocating for increased focus on airpower. Congress later awarded Mitchell a gold medal for his foresight and courage following the conclusion of the second world war.

“With General Mitchell as their role model, cadet officers know that speaking truth to power is a moral duty,” the Civil Air Patrol website said of the lasting impact Mitchell has on cadets in the Civil Air Patrol today.

“Every year, these cadets volunteer over 150 hours with their squadron and choose to serve their local neighborhoods. “Through their cadet service, they have demonstrated tremendous leadership,” Kaminsky said, noting that Civil Air Patrol cadets work to advance the efforts of various local nonprofits. “Elmont is fortunate to have leaders like them, who care about bettering themselves, fellow cadets, and their community,” Kaminsky said.